Fond farewell to Arun council chief executive

During a special meeting at the Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton, on Wednesday, council members took the opportunity to say goodbye to Ian before he retires on Thursday, November 3.

Council leader, Gillian Brown, led the tributes, saying Ian would be remembered with “great affection” and “respect” for his 26 years with the council, serving almost 20 years as the authority’s chief executive.

She said: “Ian, you have served in local government for 40 years and you are by far the longest-serving chief executive of any authority across Sussex.

“You will be remembered by all of us here with great affectation. Your help and support has been invaluable.

“You have been a constant stabilising presence within this council.

“We have not always agreed on everything and nor should we, but you have always been there to offer your help, advice and support.

“Since you first joined the council you have given your life to it and to the community. You will be missed but we wish you and Sally (Ian’s wife) all the best for the future.”

Arun’s longest-serving councillor, Dr James Walsh, also paid tribute to Ian. He recalled sitting on the panel which first interviewed Ian, in 1985.

He said: “Ian is somebody you can always trust.

“What you see is what you get. He has been forthright in giving his opinion and fighting his corner.

“His advice and opinion can always be respected.

“I thank you for all your advice and friendship and wish you a long and fulfilling retirement.”

Before closing the meeting, Ian thanked members for their tributes, saying he would continue to watch the council’s progress from afar.

During his speech, he praised council officers, and former council leaders, for all their work and assistance they had provided during his time.

He said: “I wish you all the best. It’s not going to be the easiest of futures for Arun but I hope with good leadership you will meet this challenge.”

Ian first joined Arun in 1985 as its chief planning and development officer.

Later, he took on responsibility for economic development, in 1991, before becoming the council’s chief executive the following year.

In 1999, he spent six months on secondment helping with the UN relief effort in war-torn Kosovo.

Ian has also gone that extra mile, getting involved with a variety of charity fund-raisers during his time at the council.

He also demonstrated his mettle, when he stood defiantly in front of a travellers’ convoy which was attempting to move onto council land next to Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre, in 2002.